Multi-scanner device having a detachable outlet tester

ABSTRACT

A multi-scanner device having a detection unit and an outlet tester that can be selectively connected together for convenient use and easy storage. Preferably, a plug on the outlet tester is inserted into a non-functional socket located on the detection unit to form a multi-scanner device with a detachable outlet tester.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/840,616, filed Aug. 17, 2007 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,633,282, and claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/822,701 filedAug. 17, 2006.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wall sensors and scanners, such as stud finders, are well-known andcommonly used by tradesmen and do-it-yourselfers in constructionprojects to locate objects located below the surface of a wall. One typeof stud finder is a single mode electronic stud finder, which typicallyincludes a capacitor for detecting changes in the capacitance as thestud finder moves across the surface of the wall. A change incapacitance indicates that the dielectric constant of the surface haschanged due to the presence of an object behind the surface of the wall.

In addition to single mode wall scanners, multifunction detection unitshave been developed which can be toggled between various modes ofdetection. For example, in addition to the circuitry described above, astud finder might include separate circuitry for detecting metal behinda wallboard and for detecting an AC voltage behind a wallboard todetermine whether the wall has a live wire behind it. An AC voltagedetector may alert the user to the location of electrical wiring in thewall and could prevent the user from cutting into the wire.Alternatively, an AC voltage detector could aid the user in finding thewire if the user is performing electrical work.

Electrical outlet testers are another commonly used tool for electricalwork. These devices are typically self-contained, and designed to beplugged into a standard electrical outlet having hot, neutral, andground connections to determine whether the outlet is properly wired.These devices allow the wiring of an electrical outlet to be verifiedeasily, without the need for meters or other devices.

Certain construction projects involving electrical work require both adetection unit and an electrical outlet tester. For example, installinga new outlet requires that the tradesman determine the location ofexisting electrical outlets and wall studs, wire the new outlet, andensure that the outlet is correctly wired. If the outlet includes aground fault circuit interrupter, it requires testing. However, the needfor two separate tools creates a problem because the user needs to (1)buy two separate tools, and (2) actually find each tool when he or shewants to use them.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention combines a detection unit and an outlet tester forconvenient use and easy storage. The plug on the outlet tester can beinserted into a non-functional socket located on the detection unit toform a multi-scanner device with a detachable outlet tester.

In typical use, the user scans the surface of the wall with thedetection unit, which may have multiple scanning functions, to locatestuds or electrical wiring. If the user needs an outlet tester, then heor she simply detaches the outlet tester from the detection unit. Then,once the outlet has been tested, the user can reattach the outlet testerto the detection unit, reforming the multi-scanner device.

These and other features and advantages of the invention will appear inthe detailed description which follows. In the description, reference ismade to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferredembodiment of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-scanner device shown whenseparated into its detection unit and outlet test components;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the multi-scanner device in which theoutlet tester has been attached to the detection unit;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the multi-scanner device shown in FIG. 3; and

FIG. 4 is a back view of the multi-scanner device shown in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIG. 1, a multi-scanner device 100 includes a detectionunit 200 and an outlet tester 300. The detection unit 200 includescircuitry for providing wood stud detection, metal detection, and anon-contact AC voltage detection as described below. The outlet tester300 provides an outlet wiring test and a ground fault circuitinterrupter test. The detection unit 200 has an interface that can be,as shown here, a socket 202, and the outlet tester 300 has a mating plug302. When the outlet tester 300 is not in use, the plug 302 can beinserted in the socket 202 for easy storage of the outlet tester 300.

The detection unit 200 has a housing 204 in which the circuitry forperforming the available scanning modes is encased. A scan mode switch206 is located on the front face of the detection unit 200. The scanmode switch 206 permits the user of the detection unit 200 to toggleamong the available scanning modes. In FIG. 1 the scan mode switch 206is a three-way sliding switch. An LED switch selection indicator 208 islocated on the front face of the detection unit 200 below the scan modeswitch 206. The LED switch selection indicator 208 uses LED lights todisplay which of the available scanning modes the user has selected withthe scan mode switch 206.

The user presses an on-off switch 210 located on the left side of thedetection unit 200, which is shown in FIG. 3, to activate the circuitryof the detection unit 200 and perform the selected mode of operation.The surface of the on-off switch 210 and the right side of the unit haveridged grips 212 which make the detection unit 200 easy to hold andunlikely to slip out of the user's hands. A set of LED positionindicators 214 a-d, located on the front face of the detection unit 200,indicate when the detection unit 200 has detected an object behind thescanned surface. A tip 216, shown in FIG. 2, is located on the nose ofthe detection unit 200 for marking a location on a wall.

In typical use, the user selects the scanning mode using the scan modeswitch 206, holds the detection unit 200 up to a wallboard, presses andholds the on-off switch 210, and moves the detection unit 200 across thewall. When the circuitry of the detection unit 200 detects the selectedmaterial or AC voltage of the selected mode behind the wallboard, theLED position indicators 214 a-d begin to illuminate. An LED positionindicator 214 a first illuminates when the circuitry weakly detects theselected material or AC voltage. As the user continues to move thedetection unit 200 across the wallboard, if the circuitry detects aneven stronger presence of the selected material or AC voltage, then theLED position indicator 214 b will also illuminate. Further increases insignal will result in LED position indicator 214 c illuminating, and LEDposition indicator 214 d illuminating. In one possible configuration ofthe detection unit 200, when all of the LED position indicators 214 a-dare lit, the user will be near the center of the detected object, suchas a wood stud. The tip 216 might then be used to mark the location onthe wall by making an indentation. The tip 216 may also function as anon-contact AC voltage detector antenna.

It should be appreciated that the detection unit 200 may be capable ofone or more scanning functions including, but not limited to, wood studdetector, metal detector, and non-contact AC voltage detector. The scanmode switch 206 is not required and is only preferable if the detectionunit 200 is capable of performing more than one scanning function.Additionally, the circuitry for each scanning function in the housing204 may operate independently of each other or share common elements.Moreover, in some applications, the circuitry may perform multiplescanning functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for the scanmode switch 206. Circuitry for performing these functions are well knownand not in need of a detailed description herein.

It should be further appreciated that although FIG. 1 illustratesgeometry compatible with a Type B three-pin plug and socket, typicallyused in the United States for 115 volt, 60 hertz power supplies, anytype of socket and plug combination might be used to connect thedetection unit 200 and the outlet tester 300. However, the detectionunit 200 and the outlet tester 300 might also be connected using aninterface or attachment means in addition to the plug 302 and socket202. For example, different types of plug/socket combinations may beused for different voltage levels, or to match the plug/socketcombinations used in a particular region. Additionally, the plug 302 maysimply fit into a cavity in the housing 204, and the detection unit 200and the outlet tester 300 are in some other way adapted to beselectively connected together. Various other types of connectors forcoupling the outlet tester 300 to the detection unit 200, including hookand loop fasteners, sliding attachment members, threaded fasteners, andother types of devices can also be used. In addition, irrespective ofthe type of connection used, a snap fit connection can be used. Thus,the presence of a socket 202 on the detection unit 200 should not beconsidered limiting.

It should be further appreciated that the LED switch selection indicator208 and the LED position indicators 214 a-d might be complemented orreplaced by other forms of audible or visual alarms. For example, inaddition to the LED position indicators 214 a-d, the detection unit 200may also provide a variable or multi-tone audible alarm indicating thedetection strength. Likewise, instead of utilizing LED lights, thedetection device might have an alternate form of visual feedback, suchas a liquid crystal display, or provide aural feedback, such as beeps orother sounds, through a speaker system provided in the device and whichis transmitted through holes in the housing of the device (not shown).

The outlet tester 300 has circuitry for performing its electrical outlettesting functions inside a housing 304. In typical use, the plug 302 ofthe outlet tester 300 is placed into an electrical socket, and the LEDs308 are activated to illustrate either that the wiring is good, or afault in the wiring, depending on the pattern. The disclosure ofVirgilio Pat. No. 5,625,285, assigned to A.W. Sperry Instruments, whichdescribe the operation and feedback provided by such an outlet tester,is hereby incorporated by reference. Although a series of LEDs are shownhere for providing verification of wiring, an LCD display includingtesting result and wiring correction information can also be providedinstead of or in addition to the LEDs 308.

In addition to the wiring test and verification, an outlet switch 306may be provided to activate a GFCI test from the outlet tester 300. Whentesting a GFCI-enabled wall circuit, the user activates the switch 306,which shorts out the wall socket to activate and verify the circuitbreaker that is built into the GFCI-enabled wall socket. In alternativeembodiments, the outlet tester 300 can also be provided with anarc-fault tester function.

It should be appreciated that the outlet tester 300 may be capable ofone or more electrical socket testing functions including, but notlimited to, an outlet faulty wiring tester and a ground fault circuitinterrupter tester. Thus, the outlet mode switch 306 is not required andis only preferable if the outlet tester 300 has circuitry for performingmore than one electrical socket testing function. The circuitry forperforming each of the outlet testing functions in the housing 304 mayoperate independently of each other or share common elements.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view and FIG. 3 provides a top view of themulti-scanner device 100 after the detection unit 200 and the outlettester 300 have been connected by inserting the plug 302 into the socket202. FIG. 2 clearly shows the tip 216 which may be used to mark a wallor perform as a non-contact AC voltage detector. FIG. 3 clearly showsthe on-off switch 210 which the user presses to engage the selectedmode.

FIG. 4 provides a back view of the multi-scanner device 100 after thedetection unit 200 and the outlet tester 300 have been attached byinserting the plug 302 into the socket 202. A battery cover 218 holdsthe batteries in the detection unit 200.

It is specifically intended that the present invention not be limited tothe embodiments and illustrations contained herein, but include modifiedforms of those embodiments including portions of the embodiments andcombinations of elements of different embodiments as come within thescope of the following claims.

1. An electronic testing device comprising: a detection unit for sensingan electrical characteristic and providing a human perceptibleindication through said detection unit and having an interfacecomprising a female socket for attachment to an outlet tester; and anoutlet tester including circuitry for performing at least one electricalwall outlet testing function and having a male plug for connection to awall outlet; wherein the detection unit and the outlet tester areadapted to be selectively connected together at the interface.
 2. Theelectronic testing device of claim 1, wherein the detection unitincludes a switch for selecting a testing function.
 3. The electronictesting device of claim 2, wherein the detection unit includes a switchfor activating the scanning function.
 4. The electronic testing deviceof claim 2, wherein the detection unit has a tip for marking a surface.5. The electronic testing device of claim 1, wherein the outlet testerincludes circuitry for testing at least one of an outlet for faultywiring and an outlet for a ground fault circuit interrupter.
 6. Theelectronic testing device of claim 5, wherein the outlet tester includesa switch for selecting between an outlet faulty wiring test and a groundfault circuit interrupter test.
 7. The electronic testing device ofclaim 1, wherein the plug is a Type B American three-pin grounded plug.8. The electronic testing device of claim 1, wherein the interface is asocket for mating with the Type B American three-pin grounded plug. 9.The electronic testing device of claim 1, wherein at least one of thedetection unit and the outlet tester comprises an audible alarm.
 10. Theelectronic testing device of claim 1, wherein at least one of thedetection unit and the outlet tester includes a visual alarm.
 11. Theelectronic testing device of claim 1, further comprising circuitry forperforming an electronic test disposed inside a housing of the detectionunit, and circuitry for performing the electrical socket testingfunction disposed inside a housing for the outlet tester.
 12. Theelectronic testing device of claim 1, wherein the outlet tester includescircuitry for testing an outlet for faulty wiring and an outlet for aground fault circuit interrupter.
 13. A testing device comprising: adetection unit including detection circuitry disposed in a housing; andan outlet tester including circuitry for testing an outlet disposed in ahousing; wherein the detection unit comprises a Type B Americanthree-pin grounded socket disposed at a distal end of the housing of thedetection unit, and the outlet tester includes a mating Type B Americanthree-pin grounded plug disposed at a distal end of the housing of theoutlet tester, wherein the Type B American three-pin grounded plug andthe Type B American three-pin grounded socket are adapted to beremovably coupled together.
 14. The testing device of claim 1, whereinthe plug comprises a Type B American three-pin grounded plug and thesocket comprises a Type B American three-pin grounded socket.
 15. Thetesting device of claim 1, wherein the interface provides a mechanicalconnection for coupling the outlet tester to the detection unit.
 16. Thetesting device of claim 1, wherein the female socket is electricallyisolated from the circuitry in the outlet tester when the outlet testeris coupled to the detection unit at the interface.
 17. The testingdevice of claim 13, wherein the plug is adapted to be connected to awall socket.
 18. The electronic testing device of claim 1, wherein thefirst electronic testing unit is a detection unit that senses anelectrical characteristic and provides a human perceptible indicationthrough said detection unit.
 19. The testing device of claim 13, whereinthe detection unit senses an electrical characteristic and provides ahuman perceptible indication through said detection unit.
 20. Thetesting device of claim 13, wherein the Type B American three-pingrounded socket is electrically isolated from the detection circuitrydisposed in the housing of the detection unit.
 21. The testing device ofclaim 13, wherein the Type B American three-pin grounded socket in thedetection unit is electrically non-functional.
 22. The testing device ofclaim 13, wherein the detection circuitry is adapted to provide ascanning function.